Clark to host 23 countries in quake drill

• Source: http://punto.com.ph/News/Article/29500/Volume-11-No-65/Feature-Article/Clark-to-host-23-countries-in-quake-drill
• Sunday, May 27, 2018

By Ding Cervantes

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Philippines is set to host this year’s International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) Asia-Pacifi c Regional Earthquake Response Exercise (AP-ERE) to be participated in by at least 23 countries on June 25 to 29, the Offi ce for Civil Defense (OCD) has announced.

The OCD said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) would be the main agency to host the INSARAG, a global network under the United Nations umbrella dealing with Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) related issues.

For many years, INSARAG has held exercises in countries around the world seeking to strengthen a country’s response capacity to a major earthquake disaster and to enhance its ability to work with international partners and agencies during the initial humanitarian phase of any emergency, the OCD said.

“The Philippines, through the National Council, takes pride in hosting this year’s INSARAG. This is an opportune time for us to showcase our capacities in the international scene, with the hope to further enhance international relations through disaster management and humanitarian assistance,” said NDRRMC executive director and OCD administrator Ricardo Jalad in a statement.

The OCD said “Earthquake Response Exercise or ERE is endorsed by the INSARAG Steering Group primarily as a means to increase awareness of INSARAG disaster response methodologies amongst national and local authorities in the host country and to provide a platform for the strengthening of national response capacities.”

It said the five-day event shall include a three-day Exercise Preparation Phase followed by a two-day Simulation Exercise Phase. Preparatory activities are ongoing, facilitated by the local and international exercise controllers, and the host country through the established steering committee led by exercise director Rodrigo Diapana of the OCD.”

At least 23 countries worldwide, representing various sectors from the government, non-government and international organizations, are expected to participate in the forthcoming exercise, the OCD said.